Many Villanova students, faculty and staff watched the political showdown between former President Trump and Vice President Harris last Tuesday. However, a couple of Villanovans witnessed the historic event uniquely as seniors Kai Williams and Dean Millard attended the recent presidential debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.
“I have an internship working with WPVI-TV 6ABC Philadelphia,” Williams said. “Since ABC News was conducting the debate, the opportunity was brought to my attention by my boss to become a production and PR runner for the event.”
Williams shared this opportunity with her peer Dean Millard, who was subsequently invited to attend, as well.
“I was recommended to the ABC News team by Villanova student Kai Williams, Professor Catherine Warrick, Political Science chair Camille Burge, administrator Kathy Byrnes and alum Andrew McKeough,” Millard said.
As an ABC intern, Williams maintained an involved role, ensuring that all ran smoothly the night of the event.
“On debate day, my role was to check members in from various media platforms and make sure they know where to go, where they can sit and what they are and aren’t allowed to do,” she said. “I ran things over from the Pennsylvania Convention Center to the Constitution Center for producers throughout the day. I made sure the spin room was intact, put the finishing touches on the design of the room and more.”
Millard similarly provided help with duties to members of the news team.
“On the day of the debate, I offered assistance to anyone from ABC News who needed it,” he said. “I delivered essential items to the news anchor and debate moderator team and delivered the run of show agendas to ABC News employees. After the debate, I helped clean up our workspace. I then went to the Spin Room at the Convention Center, where politicians, journalists and media professionals watched and covered the debate.”
Although many moments from that night proved to be significant, Williams described one in particular that stuck with her.
“I think the most noteworthy experience when I was at the debate was meeting WABC-TV anchor Sade Baderinwa,” she said, a testament to the many news sources present at the event. “I am originally from New York and I grew up watching her every day, so it was so cool to be able to see, meet and talk to her in person.”
For Millard, meeting familiar TV anchormen and reveling in the historic significance of the moment proved to be the most memorable aspects of the experience.
“During my time with ABC News, I enjoyed seeing and meeting local and national news personalities that my family and I have watched for years,” he said. “While watching the debate, I tried to remain present to recognize that I was in a historic building for a monumental event.”
After reflecting on the experience, Williams expressed her admiration for all of the work that occurs to pull off such a major and important production.
“My main takeaway from this experience is the immense preparation and teamwork required to bring events like this to life,” she said. “When people watch a debate on TV, they often don’t realize the countless details and the number of people working behind the camera to make it happen. It’s something we often take for granted. Being part of this process, I’ve gained a deep appreciation for the dedication involved, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute in the way I did.”
Millard will cherish most the role he played in this significant event.
“I will always remember the significance of the debate,” he said. “It was surreal to be in the same building as two presidential candidates speaking to our entire nation. Our bosses emphasized the integral role we played in helping set up the debate. It was an honor to represent Villanova University at an event that received international attention.”
Few will remember and appreciate the presidential debate last Tuesday in the same way these two will. Millard acknowledged the exceptionality of his and Williams’ experience.
“This was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity,” he said.
